​L-Citrulline vs. L-Citrulline DL-Malate: Which Is Best?

Posted
on August 14, 2017

L-Citrulline vs.
L-Citrulline DL-Malate: Which Version is Best?

L-citrulline is one of three dietary amino acids involved in
the urea cycle, which also includes L-ornithine and L-arginine. When it enters
the body, citrulline is turned into arginine in the kidneys, making it a
potentially beneficial supplement for increasing your arginine levels.

L-Citrulline Structure

L-citrulline is present in a variety of foods, especially
watermelons. Watermelons have the highest natural concentration of
L-citrulline, present in both the fruit’s meat and the rind. Citrulline can
also be found in certain legumes, including garbanzoe beans, peanuts, and soy.
In terms of meat, it’s found high concentrations in liver and in smaller
amounts in red meat and salmon.

With such varying food choices and concentrations, many turn
to supplementation to increase the amount of citrulline they take in. While
some use varying forms of L-citrulline, others turn to L-citrulline DL-malate.
Let’s take a closer look at these two compounds and determine which of the two
might work better for your needs.

How Does Citrulline
Work?

As mentioned, citrulline is an important precursor to
arginine. Arginine is then converted into nitric oxide and more citrulline by
nitric oxide synthase.

Why not just take arginine supplements to increase arginine
levels? The answer is arginase, an enzyme found in the stomach and intestines.
Arginase breaks down arginine directly into ornithine and urea, neither of
which are involved in the formation of nitric oxide. Arginine supplements get
broken down in your stomach and intestines before they can get absorbed and
reach your blood. Taking an arginine supplement may lead to a sudden spike in
arginine but that quickly tapers off. High amounts of arginine have been found
to potentially cause digestive problems as well. Citrulline and citrulline
malate supplements increase arginine levels in your plasma over a longer period
of time.

Urea Cycle Diagram

On its own, citrulline also plays a role in the urea cycle.
This cycle, which occurs in the liver and kidneys, is primarily involved with
removing ammonia from your blood in the form of urea.

L-Citrulline Benefits
and Uses

Citrulline and its potential effects on arginine levels may
support cardiovascular health and overall circulation. Studies suggest L-Citrulline may promote healthy blood pressure by causing blood vessels to dilate. This increased circulation may extend to systems and
organs throughout the body, potentially assisting in the healing of wounds and
reducing pain caused by inflammation.

Research also shows that citrulline may increase nitric
oxide levels. Nitric oxide is a molecular compound that is primarily involved
in helping cells transmit signals, allowing for intercellular communication.
Nitric oxide also plays a role in circulation, further contributing to
citrulline’s other potential effects on blood flow. Studies also show nitric
oxide has a role in regulating activities in essentially all your organs. Nitric
oxide may help to promote cardiovascular health and improve your immune system.

Nitric oxide is most popular among athletes for its
potential muscle-building benefits. The increased blood flow may contribute to
quicker muscle recovery and growth while delivering more nutrients to muscle
tissue. A preliminary study on cyclists suggests that nitric oxide may improve
endurance and promote longer, harder workouts by combating lactic acid buildup,
the main cause of muscle fatigue during intense training exercises.

The potential increased circulation from citrulline and
nitric oxide may also contribute to improved neural functions. Research
indicates that greater circulation to the brain means more blood and nutrients
to vital neural tissue, which may encourage the growth of nerve cells. This may
result in improved memory, both short- and long-term, and memory recall.

Studies suggest L-Citrulline may support natural metabolic rates, allowing for more
efficient weight loss. It may also contribute to increased strength and leaner,
larger muscles. Other studies indicate L-Citrulline may support immune system functions. This may promote a
person’s resistance to injuries and illnesses while expediting recovery.

What is Citrulline
DL-Malate?

L-citrulline DL-malate is simply citrulline with an added
malic acid component. Malate, or malic acid, is a naturally occurring organic
compound found in a variety of fruits, though it is most commonly used as a
food additive or preservative.

Malic Acid Structure

When combined with citrulline, malic acid has been shown to
promote better absorption and higher bioavailability. However, some studies
also suggest that malic acid may have some potential benefits of its own,
including a reduction in pain and increased physical energy. It is also often
included in skincare products for its potential exfoliating properties.

Choosing Between
Citrulline and Citrulline DL-Malate

Citrulline DL-malate tends to be the preferred nootropic as
it may increase arginine and nitric oxide levels while potentially increasing
energy output from the malic acid, offering a one-two punch that may be popular
among many bodybuilders and athletes. However, citrulline may be beneficial on
its own if you don’t require the potential benefits that may come from malic
acid. Choosing between the two compounds ultimately comes down to your own
personal needs.

Be aware that some dietary supplement vendors will offer citrulline malate
with more malic acid than citrulline. This skewed ratio may lead to potentially
lower quality effects. It is recommended that you find citrulline malate with a
two to one ratio. That means twice the grams of citrulline for every gram of
malate. You can find
L-citrulline
DL-malate 2:1 powder
at Nootropics Depot, ensuring a proper ratio in this nootropic supplement.